Sports clubs and organizations in changing times:The case of Singapore

Sports clubs are places where people commonly gather to engage in sports. In many countries it is a key component of the sport delivery system. This study examines the role and evolution of sports clubs in Singapore against a backdrop of the socio-political-economic development. In the process, three themes are identified, namely, (a) influence of state intervention, (b) nature and relevance of sports clubs through the years, and (c) market sector development and its influence on sports clubs. The functionalist view provides us with an understanding of the socio-political-economic conditions and why the government of Singapore employs sport as a vehicle for social development and nation-building. How the resultant sports policies, state-funded facilities, and sports participation conduits offered by the private sector shaped the evolution of the role of sports clubs is discussed. In Singapore, the role of the sports clubs is unique in that participating in sports is no longer confined to the traditional sports clubs, but is distributed across state-funded facilities and membership programmes as well as private sector offerings. Instead of sports being confined to the elite few as in the past, the notion of “Sport Without Boundaries” envision by Vision2030 is becoming a reality

The NKF-NUS hemodialysis trial protocol - a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a self management intervention for hemodialysis patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Poor adherence to treatment is common in patients on hemodialysis which may increase risk for poor clinical outcomes and mortality. Self management interventions have been shown to be effective in improving compliance in other chronic populations. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of a recently developed group based self management intervention for hemodialysis patients compared to standard care.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This is a multicentre parallel arm block randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a four session group self management intervention for hemodialysis patients delivered by health care professionals compared to standard care. A total of 176 consenting adults maintained on hemodialysis for a minimum of 6 months will be randomized to receive the self management intervention or standard care. Primary outcomes are biochemical markers of clinical status and adherence. Secondary outcomes include general health related quality of life, disease-specific quality of life, mood, self efficacy and self-reported adherence. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention and at 3 and 9 months post-intervention by an independent assessor and analysed on intention to treat principles with linear mixed-effects models across all time points. A qualitative component will examine which aspects of program participants found particularly useful and any barriers to change.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The NKF-NUS intervention builds upon previous research emphasizing the importance of empowering patients in taking control of their treatment management. The trial design addresses weaknesses of previous research by use of an adequate sample size to detect clinically significant changes in biochemical markers, recruitment of a sufficiently large representative sample, a theory based intervention and careful assessment of both clinical and psychological endpoints at various follow up points. Inclusion of multiple dependent variables allows us to assess the broader impact on the intervention including both hard end points as well as patient reported outcomes. This program, if found to be effective, has the potential to be implemented within the existing renal services delivery model in Singapore, particularly as this is being delivered by health care professionals already working with hemodialysis patients in these settings who are specifically trained in facilitating self management in renal patients.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRTN31434033">ISRTN31434033</a></p

Interventions with young female offenders and teenage girls at risk: alternative educational services in a Singapore girls' home

This article presents factors that place girls at risk of delinquency and offending as well as the patterns in juvenile delinquency trends for females in Singapore. The authors also describe Singapore’s overall structure of services for young offenders and the current status of alternative education programmes for young women engaged in delinquent behaviours and at-risk teenage girls. The unique features of a Singapore girls’ home are then highlighted. Finally, implications for juvenile educational programming are considered

Health impacts of caregiving for older adults with functional limitations: Results from the Singapore survey on informal caregiving

10.1177/0898264313494801Journal of Aging and Health256998-1012JAHE

Variation in and correlates of body mass status of older Singaporean men and women: Results from a national survey

10.1177/1010539510393726Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health25148-6